Harry Skelton was overwhelmed with emotions as Grey Dawning triumphed in the prestigious £200,000 Betfair Chase at Haydock. The highly anticipated race on Saturday evolved into a thrilling showdown between last year’s top two contenders, with Handstands also in contention.
Despite being defeated by Royale Pagaille a year ago, Grey Dawning dominated the race in the final stretch, pulling ahead by two-and-three-quarter lengths over its rival. Skelton, visibly moved by the victory, expressed his gratitude to Clare and Tom Messenger, the assistant who diligently prepared the horse for the race, highlighting their exceptional care and dedication.
Reflecting on the win, Skelton shared, “Last year was disappointing due to unfavorable weather conditions, but today Grey Dawning was exceptional.” He also mentioned the recent birth of his daughter, Anna, and expressed pride in his wife, Bridget, emphasizing the importance of family amidst his sporting achievements.
The significant victory contributed £113,870 to Dan Skelton’s earnings, solidifying his position at the top of the trainers’ standings with a total prize money exceeding £1.2 million since April. Dan Skelton lauded Grey Dawning’s stellar performance and expressed satisfaction in witnessing the horse’s long-awaited success.
Describing Skelton’s emotional state, Dan Skelton acknowledged the intense 48 hours the jockey had experienced and praised the owner, Robert Kirkland, for his unwavering support. Recognizing the pivotal role of owners in the sport, Dan Skelton highlighted the joy of delivering memorable moments to them through remarkable victories like Grey Dawning’s triumph.